That's basically how it was explained to me when it first came out, ('85). Sometimes, attractions happen for whatever reason, and they can't be fulfilled. Typically situational. So while I can see it being about infidelity, I don't think it is, truly; more, it's almost a mourning for it, what can't be. Again, he uses dozens of wonderful metaphors for expressing it, without taking action.
The title of the song is the key, in this case. He's saying, I believe, that for whatever reason, these things happen, and it's all right. Who can unravel the mysteries of human relationships or sexual attraction? Various scientific studies have been taking a crack at it for years, and yet, one of the most profound additions to the 'debate' has got to be this idea: no one is to blame. It happens. Accept the fact, deal with it, and go on.
It's a little like Elton John's "Sacrifice". A discussion over the idea, just handled differently. Jones leaves that open, just in case: "some break the rules" (go through with it) "and live to count the cost" (suffer the consequences of a broken trust, or relationship(s) "the insecurity is the thing that won't get lost" (ultimately, things are going to take a dive in one regard or another, so it's not to be considered lightly.)
Wonderfully thought-provoking, poignant, and in some ways, timeless song. Recent covers by Emile Millar (off of his "Stay Here" 2007 solo release -- a bit bluesy, wonderful vocals, reminds me of another artist whose name's escaping me, but you'll recognise it, too) and Jodie Manross (live, and available through iTunes -- folk artist with some eclectic roots, very acoustic) are excellent arrangements and covers. Jones also updated his own work, adding in some different instruments and stylistic changes for his 2000 'Perform' tour. Highly recommended.
I agree with you in that I never thought this song was about a consummated affair or infidelity. A consummated affair would result in self blame and regret like in "careless whisper." I always felt the same way that its something that could have been but wasn't. I wonder what is meant by "we want everyone". Also the meaning behind the lines about breaking the rules and counting the cost are unclear to me but even that portion of the song I do not believe to be about dealing with the consequences of infidelity. How could...
I agree with you in that I never thought this song was about a consummated affair or infidelity. A consummated affair would result in self blame and regret like in "careless whisper." I always felt the same way that its something that could have been but wasn't. I wonder what is meant by "we want everyone". Also the meaning behind the lines about breaking the rules and counting the cost are unclear to me but even that portion of the song I do not believe to be about dealing with the consequences of infidelity. How could no one be to blame for those consequences?
That's basically how it was explained to me when it first came out, ('85). Sometimes, attractions happen for whatever reason, and they can't be fulfilled. Typically situational. So while I can see it being about infidelity, I don't think it is, truly; more, it's almost a mourning for it, what can't be. Again, he uses dozens of wonderful metaphors for expressing it, without taking action.
The title of the song is the key, in this case. He's saying, I believe, that for whatever reason, these things happen, and it's all right. Who can unravel the mysteries of human relationships or sexual attraction? Various scientific studies have been taking a crack at it for years, and yet, one of the most profound additions to the 'debate' has got to be this idea: no one is to blame. It happens. Accept the fact, deal with it, and go on.
It's a little like Elton John's "Sacrifice". A discussion over the idea, just handled differently. Jones leaves that open, just in case: "some break the rules" (go through with it) "and live to count the cost" (suffer the consequences of a broken trust, or relationship(s) "the insecurity is the thing that won't get lost" (ultimately, things are going to take a dive in one regard or another, so it's not to be considered lightly.)
Wonderfully thought-provoking, poignant, and in some ways, timeless song. Recent covers by Emile Millar (off of his "Stay Here" 2007 solo release -- a bit bluesy, wonderful vocals, reminds me of another artist whose name's escaping me, but you'll recognise it, too) and Jodie Manross (live, and available through iTunes -- folk artist with some eclectic roots, very acoustic) are excellent arrangements and covers. Jones also updated his own work, adding in some different instruments and stylistic changes for his 2000 'Perform' tour. Highly recommended.
I agree with you in that I never thought this song was about a consummated affair or infidelity. A consummated affair would result in self blame and regret like in "careless whisper." I always felt the same way that its something that could have been but wasn't. I wonder what is meant by "we want everyone". Also the meaning behind the lines about breaking the rules and counting the cost are unclear to me but even that portion of the song I do not believe to be about dealing with the consequences of infidelity. How could...
I agree with you in that I never thought this song was about a consummated affair or infidelity. A consummated affair would result in self blame and regret like in "careless whisper." I always felt the same way that its something that could have been but wasn't. I wonder what is meant by "we want everyone". Also the meaning behind the lines about breaking the rules and counting the cost are unclear to me but even that portion of the song I do not believe to be about dealing with the consequences of infidelity. How could no one be to blame for those consequences?